THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed regret following the United States’ notification of withdrawal, noting that the move “makes both the United States and the world less safe.”

The decision will be formally considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting 2 February 2026 and by the World Health Assembly at its annual session in May 2026.

In its statement issued at the weekend, the WHO stated: “As a founding member, the United States has historically contributed to WHO’s major achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and progress against a range of public health threats such as polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety.”

WHO acknowledged statements from the US government claiming that the organization had “trashed and tarnished” its reputation, compromised its independence, and concealed failures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO rejected these allegations, asserting that it has always engaged with the United States in good faith and with full respect for its sovereignty.

Regarding COVID-19, WHO emphasised that it acted quickly and transparently from the earliest reports of a “pneumonia of unknown cause” in Wuhan, China on 31 December 2019. By 11 January 2020, before the first death was reported, WHO had alerted the world, convened global experts, and published guidance for countries to protect populations and health systems. On 30 January 2020, the WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern, when fewer than 100 cases were reported outside China, with no deaths.

“Throughout the pandemic, WHO shared information rapidly, provided guidance based on the best available evidence, and advised Member States on measures including masks, vaccines, and physical distancing. At no stage did WHO mandate masks, vaccines, or lockdowns; national decisions remained the responsibility of sovereign governments,” the statement clarified.

The organisation also rejected claims that it pursued a “politicised, bureaucratic agenda” hostile to American interests, reaffirming its impartiality as a United Nations specialized agency governed by 194 Member States.

WHO highlighted steps taken post-pandemic to strengthen its systems and support countries in improving pandemic preparedness and response capacities. The 24/7 systems, WHO stated, have contributed to keeping all countries, including the United States, safer.

The statement also highlighted ongoing global initiatives, including the WHO Pandemic Agreement, a landmark international legal instrument designed to safeguard against future pandemics, and the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system, which aims to promote rapid detection, sharing of pathogens, and equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

WHO expressed hope that the United States will return to active participation in the future, while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to its core mission: ensuring the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right for all people.